View report page

overcrowding such as we know still exists, can be
compared with similar conditions in less fortunate
districts. The growth of this problem, inevitable
during the post-war years, has been jealously watched
in Friern Barnet, all possible steps being taken to
reduce the problem to a practical minimum. This is
very pleasing, none the less the problem exists and
will continue to exist until overcrowding, which I
have already described as one of the most serious
social menaces of our times, is finally abolished.
The second fact which we must realise is the
difficulty which the abolition of overcrowding in its
entirety presents. Although we must strive for a
Utopia, this may never remain more than a dream.
But strive we must, by every means at our disposal.
The present housing policy in Friern Barnet has made
and is making a tremendous contribution. In spite
of all the difficulties and set-backs, and we all know
how trying these can be, the battle must be joined
until at least a reasonable victory has been won. I
do not apologise for introducing this matter into my
Annual Report, since housing in its many forms is one
of the most clamant public health problems which face
a local authority.
The second factor which affects health and
happiness is closely bound up with housing. This is
mental health. I know that mental health is the
concern of the County Council as local health authority.
I know equally well, however, that the Urban District
Council does not wish to divorce itself from consideration
of such a significant problem. Indeed, one hopes
that, in the not too distant future, the duties concerning
mental health may be delegated to local authorities, in
this case the Friern Barnet Council; and dares one hope
the Friern Barnet Borough Council'.
It is a truism to say that the state of the mind
exerts a most profound influence on physical health and
well-being. Indeed, it is now clearly recognised that
a substantial proportion of the ills which affect the
human body have their origin in the mind. That is not to
say that most of our troubles are imaginary, or that we
-7-